If you're planning on riding in the Velothon this year , you'll be able to treat yourself to a hard-earned pint after the event - and it'll be free.

Riders taking on the country’s biggest cycling event will be able to quench their thirst, but not with just any beer - they'll be rewarded with the official ale of Velothon Wales 2017 thanks to Brains .

Welsh brewery Brains have teamed up with Run 4 Wales, the Cardiff-based events company delivering Velothon Wales , to brew a new and exclusive ale ahead of the sportive on Sunday, July 9.

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"Thousands of cycling enthusiasts will race through the stunning scenery of South Wales next month, and thanks to Brains, they won’t be going thirsty," said Velothon Wales event director, Nigel Russell.

He added: "We’re delighted to partner with Brains, a brand synonymous with Welsh sport, so our cyclists and supporters alike can get a taste of this year’s Velothon Wales.”

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The ale - which has been aptly named Hops on Your Bike - is a 3.5% session IPA is bursting with citrus hop flavours with a crisp, refreshing bitterness that comes from Challenger, Mosaic, Pallisade and Jarrylo hops.

Hops on Your Bike was the idea put forward by cyclist Matthew Lakelin, who came out on top of an online poll following a social media competition - and Matthew won free entry for this year’s Velothon and a tour of Brains Cardiff Brewery for his efforts.

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To get your hands on the exclusive pint, all you need to do is show your finishers medal at selected city centre Brains pubs.

You can sit back and enjoy a free pint of Hops on Your Bike or a Brains SA, SA Gold, Bitter, a glass of Prosecco or soft drink.

If you don't compete in the ride, the brew will be available throughout all of July at selected Brains pubs for paying customers.

Matthew Lakelin the competition winner who came up with the name Hops on your Bike with Brains head brewer Bill Dobson. (Image: Brains)

“We know there’s nothing better after a long summer bike ride than rewarding yourself with a nice cold pint," said Tim Lewis, PR manager at Brains, adding: "That’s why we are delighted to partner with Run 4 Wales for this year’s Velothon, which is another incredible event for South Wales.

"Our head brewer Bill Dobson is an avid cyclist and he’s enjoyed brewing this limited edition session IPA, that we are sure will be a hit with the thousands of men and women taking part in Velothon Wales.”